Home > Best Practices > Board Governance
Board Governance
9 Myths About Most Boards
Summarized By Vicki Scott, Director of Client Services
It's important to realize that the composition of your current board is an important recruiting tool for potential new members. Remember what your mother used to say about being judged by the company you keep. A great board member who doesn't feel a passionate connection to the cause cannot compete with one who does, no matter how influential he/she may be in a particular industry. And, remember that a happy board is a successful board. Don't frown on having fun as it can promote team-building among board members resulting in stronger relationships. In her book, "The Truth About What Nonprofit Boards Want", consultant and author June Bradham outlines the 9 myths that can make or break an effective board.
To view this article in its entirety click here.
Leaders... Lead
By G.A. Taylor Fernley
Is anyone else tired of reading those articles or listening to those nightly newscasts featuring such headlines as "Creating Your Downsizing Plan" or "Preparing for Disaster" or, better yet, "The D (Depression) Word... Is it just around the corner?" Well, I am.
To view this article in its entirety click here.
Designing (or redesigning) Your Future as Non-profit Leaders
By G.A. Taylor Fernley
Even I, the eternal optimist, am being challenged on several fronts to remain optimistic today factoring in the economic uncertainty in world and national markets, the unsettledness of what the new administration will bring, and the impact these (and other) issues have going forward for those of us in the association and non-profit world. They never said it was going to be easy, right?
To view this article in its entirety click here.
Human Side of Leadership
By Steve McClatchy, President, Alleer Training & Consulting
When you hear the word "leadership" what comes to mind? If you are like most people you think of a title or position, or of sports heroes or world leaders. Leadership may be more recognized and noticeable with these people but it’s needed on a much more abundant scale. Let’s face it leadership is not something many of us put on our "to do" lists every day. It’s not even something that many of us would have an easy time trying to define.
To view this article in its entirety click here.
Top 10 Legal Trends for Non-Profit Leaders
By Taylor Fernley, President & CEO
Sitting on the Board of Directors of a non-profit organization in today's volatile business climate can be a risky venture. Before you say yes to your local business alliance, professional society, or international trade association, be sure you completely understand your individual responsibility and your potential liability. Protect yourself and the organization by becoming educated on financial and legal matters, do your homework. Being a volunteer leader can be a rewarding, positive experience if you go into it with your eyes open.
To view this article in its entirety click here.
Nothing to Hide - The Truth About Transparency
By Kent Van Amburg, Executive Director
How much do your members really know about the inner workings of your association? Do they know your annual budget and the level of your reserves, the names and contact information of your leadership or how the governance structure operates? Can they easily access the minutes of your last Board of Directors Meeting or the current version of your Strategic Plan? Do your members understand how to influence the decisions that are made and what programs and services are available to them?
Most importantly - do you want them to know the above? Do you want an organization in which nothing is hidden or secret and the level of trust and ownership is high? This should be every organization’s goal.
In most associations there is a large gap between the information available to the leadership and information provided to the rank and file members. Board members and committee chairs are provided the majority of their information in briefing books for meetings and monthly management reports from the staff. Unfortunately, the average member is left in the dark about developments beyond what they learn during the abbreviated report by the President or CEO at the Annual Convention. As a result, many members feel disconnected from their own associations and have a lack of trust in the decisions being made on their behalf by the elected officers.
The following article written by Paul D. Meyer
To view this article in its entirety click here.
"Non-Profits are Urged to Prepare
for Sarbanes Oxley Legislation"
By Suzanne C. Pine, Executive Vice President
In the wake of public debacles caused by improprieties at Enron and Tyco International in the late 1990's, the U.S. Government passed the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in an effort to put the public's mind at ease. Non-profit organizations can benefit from the requirements of this Act as well.
To view this article in its entirety click here.